Origin
From an early age, Roy G. Bivolo dreamed of being a famous artist, preferring to paint while other children played. Unfortunately, while his work showed great technical skill, Roy was colourblind and his works of art were considered ugly due to the clashing colours. An optometrist and expert in optical technology, Roy’s father promised his son he would find a cure for his condition, but died before he could do so. On his deathbed Roy’s father gave him a pair of goggles he had worked on which created beams of solid rainbow-coloured light. Embittered by the terrible reception his art received, Roy decided to use his father’s gift to pursue a life in crime.
Creation
Rainbow Raider was created by Cary Bates and Don Heck. His first appearance was in The Flash #286. His name, Roy G. Bivolo is based on the acronym ROYGBIV, symbolizing the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.) The character was rebooted for the New 52 by Brian Buccellato and Chris Batista.
Character Evolution
Bronze Age
The character’s initial and presumed current backstory was introduced.
New 52
The character was redesigned and given the name Chroma. It is unclear if his past or any personal details were altered.
Rebirth
Following DC’s Rebirth his original name and backstory were returned to canon. His death is assumed to be non-canon.
Major Story Arcs
Rainbow Raider
Raider engages mainly in art thievery, usually clashing with the Flash, and sometimes with other heroes such as Booster Gold and the Justice League. During this time he often joins with other villains, and is occasionally a member of the Rogues.
Underworld Unleashed
Like many other villains, Rainbow Raider is sent a mysterious, intricately carved candle, with instructions to light it at midnight. He shows this candle to the Trickster, who promptly steals it and uses it for himself. Raider is thus not invited by Neron to sell his soul.
Crossfire
Initially a member of the underground black market known as the Network, Raider repeatedly attempts to pass off forged art as originals. He grows increasingly hostile towards members of the Network that refuse to accept his forgeries. He is confronted by Blacksmith, who fuses his painting through his torso, killing him.
Blackest Night
Raised from the dead by a Black Lantern Ring, Rainbow Raider joins the other risen Rogues in attacking Iron Heights. When the living Rogues arrive, he fights Heat Wave. He is frozen along with all the other dead Rogues while they are consumed with the paradox of Reverse-Flash.
Forever Evil
Chroma is among the villains who are invited by the Crime Syndicate to join the new Secret Society of Super Villains. When he is returned to Central City he, Tar Pit, and Girder approach the newly-arrived Gorilla Grodd to negotiate territory. Grodd refuses to negotiate, and instead attacks them. Chroma is killed, and his head is mounted on a pike.
Alternate Versions
Armageddon 2001
The Raider is a mind-addled slave to a crime lord during this crossover event.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Raider appears alongside Crazy Quilt and Doctor Spectro battling Batman and Blue Beetle in this spinoff of the animated series.
Powers and Abilities
Using his goggles, Chroma is able to create solid beams of light that he can wield offensively, as well as to create slides or solid surfaces along which he can travel. His beams can also alter the emotional states of people that are bathed in them, depending on the colour of the beam. Recently, his powers have been focused through his hands.
Other Media
Television
The Flash
Bivolo appears in the episode “Flash vs Arrow.” This version of the character has the inherent metahuman ability to induce rage in others by looking directly into their eyes. He is captured, but later set free by Captain Cold in the episode “Rogue Air.” He is portrayed by Paul Anthony.
Video Games
Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure
Raider is a playable character in this game.
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Raider is a playable character available in the Rainbow character downloadable content pack.